[Federal Register: August 17, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 158)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 48333-48336]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17au05-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21787; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Shadin ADC-2000 Air Data Computers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Shadin ADC-2000 air data computers (ADC) installed on
airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to replace affected ADC-
2000 units with a modified unit. This proposed AD results from reports
that certain ADC-2000 units display incorrect altitude information on
the Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS) to the pilot. We are
issuing this proposed AD to prevent ADC-2000 units, part numbers (P/Ns)
962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C,
and D, from displaying incorrect altitude information. This could cause
the flight crew to react to this incorrect flight information and
possibly result in an unsafe operating condition.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by October 11,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed
AD:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions
[[Page 48334]]
for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide Rulemaking Web Site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To get the service information identified in this proposed AD,
contact Shadin, 6831 Oxford Street, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426-
4412; telephone: (800) 388-2849 or (952) 927-6500; facsimile: (952)
924-1111; e-mail: http://www.shadin.com.
To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2005-21787; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Kuen, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 2300 East Devon
Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-
7125; facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail address: jeffrey.kuen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal.
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the
docket number, ``FAA-2005-21787; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD''
at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
This is docket number FAA-2005-21787; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
34-AD. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will
summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.
Docket Information
Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
What events have caused this proposed AD? We have received reports
that the pressure altitude output of certain Shadin ADC-2000 air data
computers (ADC) drift outside Technical Standard Order (TSO) tolerance.
Shadin ADC-2000 units, part numbers (P/Ns) 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-
2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D (labeled with TSO-
C106 and TSO-C44a), provide altitude information that is displayed on
the Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS) to the pilot. The ADC/
EFIS combination is used to display primary altitude information to the
pilot.
The maximum altitude error allowed by TSO-C106 and TSO-C44a is 25
feet at ground level. Shadin ADC-2000 units, P/Ns 962830A-1-S-8,
962830A-2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D, have
shown errors from 100 to 8,000 feet from the correct altitude.
The errors are caused by the ADC-2000 altitude measurement system.
A pressure transducer in the ADC measures the altitude from the
airplane static pressure system. The pressure transducer converts
static pressure to an electrical signal.
We have determined that the electrical output from the pressure
transducer in the affected ADCs changes over time resulting in the
display of misleading altitude information to the pilot.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If this
situation occurs while the flight crew is making critical flight
decisions, the display of incorrect altitude information could cause
the flight crew to react to this incorrect flight information and
possibly result in an unsafe operating condition.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Shadin
has issued Service Bulletin SB28-05-002, Rev C, dated June 29, 2005.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
bulletin includes procedures for doing preflight checks to ensure ADC/
EFIS altimetry accuracy and specifies having ADC-2000, P/Ns 962830A-1-
S-8, 962830A-2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D,
upgraded to new P/Ns 962831A-1-S-8, 962831A-2-S-8, and 962831A-3-S-8.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of this Proposed AD
What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information
and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop
on these ADCs that are installed on type design airplanes.
What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require
you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service
bulletin.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On
July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation
now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD
actions.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that
this proposed AD affects 457 units installed on airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to
do this proposed modification:
[[Page 48335]]
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Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per unit
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2 work hours x $65 per hour = Not applicable.......... $130.
$130.
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Shadin will reimburse the owner/operators for labor to remove and
replace the ADC and shipping costs to Shadin Repair Facility to the
extent specified in the service bulletin.
Authority for This Rulemaking
What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106 describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.
Regulatory Findings
Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have determined
that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial
direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD
(and other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket FAA-2005-21787; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD'' in
your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14
CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Shadin: Docket No. FAA-2005-21787; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
34-AD
When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments On This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness
directive (AD) by October 11, 2005.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects Shadin ADC-2000 air data computers (ADC),
part numbers (P/N) 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-2-S-8, 962830A-3-S-8,
configurations B, C, and D, that are installed in, but not limited
to, the following aircraft (all serial numbers), and are
certificated in any category:
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Manufacturer Model
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Alliance Aircraft Group, LLC........... H-250.
B-N Group Ltd.......................... BN2A.
Bombardier Inc......................... DHC-3, DHC-6.
Cessna Aircraft Company................ 172, 180, 180E, 185, 206, 206E,
206F, 206G 208, 210L, 310.
deHavilland Inc........................ DHC-2.
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc............ PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-31-
350, PA-32-300, PA-32-301, PA-
32R-300, PA-34-200T.
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What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of reports that certain ADC-2000 units
display incorrect altitude information on the Electronic Flight
Information System (EFIS) to the pilot. The actions specified in
this AD are to prevent ADC-2000 units, P/Ns 962830A-1-S-8, 962830A-
2-S-8, and 962830A-3-S-8, configurations B, C, and D, from
displaying incorrect altitude information. This could cause the
flight crew to react to this incorrect flight information and
possibly result in an unsafe operating condition.
What Must I do to Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) To ensure the air data Within the next 25 Follow the Interim
computer (ADC) and the hours time-in- Procedures
Electronic Flight service (TIS) after contained in Shadin
Information System (EFIS) the effective date Service Bulletin
altimetry accuracy, do the of this AD and SB28-05-002, Rev C,
normal preflight check. If thereafter before dated June 29,
the altitudes, altimeter, each flight until 2005. The owner/
and elevation differ by the ADC is upgraded operator holding at
more than 75 foot, do not as specified in least a private
fly the airplane in IMC/IFR. paragraph (e)(2) of pilot certificate
this AD. as authorized by
section 43.7 of the
Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR
43.7) may do the
check specified in
paragraph (e)(1) of
this AD. Make an
entry into the
aircraft records
showing compliance
with this portion
of the AD following
section 43.9 of the
Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR
43.9).
(2) Return all Shadin ADC- Within the next 15 Follow Shadin
2000s, part numbers 962830A- months after the Service Bulletin
1-S-8, 962830A-2-S-8, effective of this SB28-05-002, Rev C,
962830A-3-S-8, AD. dated June 29,
Configurations B, C, and D, 2005.
to the Shadin Repair
Facility for upgrade.
Contact the Shadin
Technical Support
department for a Return
Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) number. Until the ADC-
2000 is modified, returned,
and reinstalled, only fly
the airplane if equipment
requirements for that
airplane are still met.
(3) Do not install any As of the effective Not applicable.
Shadin ADC-2000, part date of this AD.
number 962830A-1-S-8,
962830A-2-S-8, or 962830A-3-
S-8, Configurations B, C,
and D, unless it has been
upgraded as specified in
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Jeffrey Kuen,
Aerospace Engineer, Chicago ACO, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room
107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; telephone: (847) 294-7125;
facsimile: (847) 294-7834; e-mail address: jeffrey.kuen@faa.gov.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in this AD?
(g) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD,
contact Shadin, 6831 Oxford Street, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426-
4412; telephone: (800) 388-2849 or (952) 927-6500; facsimile: (952)
924-1111; email: http://www.shadin.com. To view the AD docket, go to the
Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC,
or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is
Docket No. FAA-2005-21787; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-34-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 10, 2005.
Kim Smith,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-16267 Filed 8-16-05; 8:45 am]
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